UAE Drugmaker Eyes Generic Blockbusters Amid Patent Shifts and Regulatory Focus
Dubai, UAE – A leading UAE-based pharmaceutical manufacturer, Globalpharma, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai Investments, is strategically preparing to produce generic versions of high-demand blockbuster drugs, including those in the class of Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro. This move anticipates upcoming patent expiries and aligns with evolving regulatory landscapes.
The company is actively pursuing international partnerships to develop peptide-based injectables, utilizing off-patent precursor ingredients. These ingredients are no longer under exclusive intellectual property protection, paving the way for generic alternatives of semaglutide and tirzepatide-based therapies. These drugs are well-known for their efficacy in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Dr. Basem Al-Barahmeh, General Manager at Globalpharma, confirmed that the company is collaborating with an international firm to source these off-patent precursors and advance the development of peptides. He highlighted that the precursor compounds for these products are already outside patent protection.
Strategic Alignment with National Objectives
Globalpharma’s initiative to enter the complex injectables market supports the UAE’s broader strategy to enhance local pharmaceutical production capabilities and reduce reliance on imported medicines. The company currently manufactures over 120 pharmaceutical products and exports to more than a dozen countries across the GCC, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
The drugmaker is focused on establishing the necessary manufacturing, development, and analytical capabilities. Management stated that the company will be poised to produce generic alternatives locally once patent restrictions on the final products ease and all requisite regulatory approvals are secured. This proactive approach positions Globalpharma to capitalize on the increasing demand for these medicines.
Global Patent Landscape and Access Discussions
While the patent for semaglutide is set to expire in China by 2026, and in major markets such as the United States, Japan, and Europe in the early 2030s, discussions around affordability and earlier generic access are gaining momentum globally. The World Health Organization has recently advocated for improved access to these vital medicines. Information regarding semaglutide patents specifically within the UAE and the broader Gulf region is not publicly available.
Partnerships and Regulatory Environment
In a broader strategic move, Globalpharma has formalized four international agreements this year aimed at expanding its product pipeline. These include a biosimilar partnership with PharmaPrimes from Jordan and a licensing agreement with Canada’s BioSyent Pharma to introduce an oral iron supplement, FeraMAX, to the UAE market. Further agreements with Egypt’s Nerhadou and Spain’s Aora Health are intended to broaden access to functional supplements, underscoring the company’s diverse approach to market expansion and regulatory navigation for new product introductions.
To encourage further localization of pharmaceutical production, industry stakeholders advocate for government-backed, multi-year procurement contracts. Such frameworks would provide manufacturers with greater financial predictability, de-risk investments in advanced production facilities, and foster a more robust domestic pharmaceutical industry.